Pattan's Pumpkin

Author: Chitra Soundar

Illustrator: Frané Lessac

Publisher: Otter-Barry Books

COLLECTION

Literature

THEMES

Empathy and Kindness Family Food and Nutrition Weather and Climate

YEAR GROUP

Years 1 and 2

BOOK TYPE

Corebooks Power of Reading

Storyteller Chitra Soundar has adapted this flood story from one told in Kerala in southern India. Pattan and his wife Kanni grow food which they share with all living creatures. An ailing plant that he nurtures becomes a huge and splendid pumpkin which provides rescue and shelter when dark clouds gather and a flood threatens human, animal and plant life. Frané Lessac’s vibrant illustrations in a naïve art style complement this story relating to a seemingly simple lifestyle which has global as well as local implications.

See also: Lucy Cousins: Noah’s Ark (9781406345001), Walker £7.99

Also by Chitra Soundar, collections of traditional tales from India, both illustrated by Uma Krishnaswamy:

A Dollop of Ghee and a Pot of Wisdom (9781406317022), Walker £6.99

A Jar of Pickles and a Pinch of Justice (9781406364675), Walker £6.99

A short novel:

Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister, illustrated by Jen Khatun (9781406391756), Walker £5.99

and these picture books, illustrated by Poonam Mistry:

You're Safe with Me (9781911373292), Lantana Publishing £11.99

You're Snug with Me (9781911373476), Lantana Publishing £11.99

You're Strong with Me (9781911373759), Lantana Publishing £11.99